Hawks Officer Details Investigation Into Alleged R1.5m Theft By JMPD Officer
Hawks warrant officer Phuti Mashala has told the Madlanga Commission how an investigation began after a businessman accused a metro police officer of taking R1.5 million during a roadside stop.
A Hawks investigation into the alleged disappearance of R1.5 million seized during a roadside stop in Johannesburg came under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission on Friday.
Hawks warrant officer Phuti Mashala testified in Pretoria, outlining how he became involved in the Booysens theft case and the steps investigators took after receiving a complaint against a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer.
According to Mashala, the matter was brought to his attention on 12 August 2023, when Captain N.J. Tauatswala contacted him on his official Hawks cellphone with a complaint from businessman Nawazish Ali Raja.
Businessman Accuses JMPD Officer Of Taking R1.5m
Raja alleged that JMPD officer Eric Mphahiele had stopped his vehicle while he was travelling with his wife along Crownwood Road in the direction of China City.
The businessman reportedly told investigators that he was carrying R1.5 million in cash to buy stock from suppliers.
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During the stop, Mphahiele allegedly searched the vehicle and found a black bag containing the money. He reportedly removed the bag and placed it inside his patrol vehicle.
Raja and his wife were then allegedly instructed to follow the officer to Johannesburg Central Police Station.
However, according to the complaint, Tauatswala did not continue along the expected route and allegedly disappeared with the cash.
Hawks Investigation Leads To Arrest And Conviction
Mashala told the commission that he met Tauatswala at Eastgate before the two travelled to Booysens Police Station, where Raja was being interviewed by JMPD Internal Affairs officials.
By the time they arrived, Raja's statement was already being taken.
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A criminal case was subsequently opened, and Mashala was appointed as the investigating officer.
Tauatswala was later arrested and convicted, according to the supplied case account.
Reports indicate that investigators traced him to his home, where his JMPD uniform and wide-brimmed hat were reportedly discovered inside a washing machine.
Mashala's testimony provided the commission with an account of how the investigation was initiated and how the complaint against the JMPD officer was handled.
